THE SHADOW Brexit secretary was taken to task by John Humphrys after he attempted to dodge a question on whether his party would block the triggering of Article 50 in a Parliamentary vote.

Today presenter John Humphrys grew frustrated at Keir Starmer after he merely said “we will not frustrate the process” when asked about a potential vote in the House of Commons after Theresa May was prevented from starting the official process of leaving the European Union by a High Court ruling.

There are now concerns Remain-backing MPs could force the government into a ‘soft’ Brexit.

Speaking about the subject, Humphrys challenged Mr Starmer, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, to reveal Labour’s plans for any potential vote.

The Today programme presenter asked: "If and when the Government spells out what its negotiating position is... and you [Labour] do not approve of that position... there remains the possibility that you might not support the triggering of Article 50?”

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John Humphrys and Keir Starmer clashed over Labour's position on Article 50

What’s the point if you’re not going to vote Article 50 down?

John Humphrys

Mr Starmer replied: “We will not frustrate the process – we will not vote down Article 50.”

Humphrys instantly rebuked: “That jargon phrase ‘we will not frustrate’… what does it mean in practical terms?”

The MP replied once again that his party will “not vote down Article 50”.

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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and deputy Tom Watson both spoke over the weekend about Brexit

The host continued on his furious rant: “You will not vote down Article 50, come what may?”

Mr Starmer once again added: “We want to have the plan before Parliament that needs to be subject to scrutiny.

“What the Government…”

Humphrys then interjected, roaring: “What’s the point if you’re not going to vote it down?”

In an attempt to hit back at the awkward questioning, Mr Starmer added: “This is the future of all of us and the future of our children.

“We should be proceeding if we can on the basis of a consensus across Parliament, not forced division.”

His comments come after Labour deputy leader Tom Watson was forced to declare Labour would not hold up the process after leader Jeremy Corbyn had appeared to suggest they would seek to block the triggering of Article 50 unless the government could guarantee continued access to the single market.

The row over the High Court’s decision threatens to rumble on as eurosceptic politicians and commentators criticise the Lord Chief Justice’s ruling.

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